Iran has summoned British Ambassador to Tehran Hugo Shorter, demanding evidence to support allegations that Tehran was involved in an incident near the UK’s RAF Fairford airbase.

Alireza Yousefi, director general for Western Europe at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, protested what he described as London’s “irresponsible and destructive approach”, Press TV reports.

Iranian officials dismissed Britain’s allegations as a provocation and warned that Tehran could reconsider its relations with London if the UK government failed to substantiate its claims with evidence.

On September 27, several people were detained on suspicion of terrorism near RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base in the UK. They were later released on bail.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the incident was “almost certainly” directed by Iran and announced plans for new sanctions against the Islamic Republic.